wu xing & wu shen personality traits/archetypes: who do you think you are?

Wu Xing & Wu Shen

Personality

Traits/ArchetypesWho do you think you are?

Written by David Hartmann -http://chinesemedicinehistoryandphilosophy.blogspot.com.au/

Wu Xing

Wu = Five.

Xing = Proceed (from one to the next).

Commonly referred to as the Five Elements or Five Phases.

The Wu Xing refer to five categories in the natural world that all correspond to one another, namely Mu (Wood), Huo (Fire), Tu (Earth), Jin (Metal), and Shui (Water).

They are in a state of constant motion and change.

Each of the Wu Xing generates (Sheng) and controls (Ko) another and is generated and controlled by another.

Even though they are different they are also complementary and cannot exist without the others.


Wu Xing History

The theory of the Wu Xing was first formed in China at

about the time of the Shang and Zhou dynasties (16oo –

221BCE). Historically it derives from observations of the

natural world made in early times by the Chinese

people in the course of their lives and productive

labour. Mu (Wood), Huo (Fire), Tu (Earth), Jin (Metal),

and Shui (Water) were considered to be five

indispensable materials for the maintenance of life and

production, as well as representing five important

states that initiated normal changes in the natural

world.


Wu Xing History

The Chinese were convinced that their external Universe

mirrored their internal Universe.

Although having different characteristics, the Wu Xing

depend on each other and are inseparable. Thus in

ancient times, people took these mutual relationships to

explain all phenomena in the natural world.

In TCM the theory of the Wu Xing is applied to generalise

and explain the nature of the Yin and Yang organs, the

inter-relationships between them, and the relation

between human beings and the natural world. It thus

serves to guide clinical diagnosis and treatment.


Wu Xing

Qi Qing

Seven Emotions

Anger = Mu (Wood)

Joy = Huo (Fire)

Pensiveness/Sympathy = Tu (Earth)

Worry = Tu (Earth)

Sadness/Grief = Jin(Metal)

Fear = Shui (Water)

Shock = Huo (Fire) and Shui (Water)

Wu Shen

Five Spirits

Hun = Mu (Wood)

Shen = Huo (Fire)

Yi = Tu (Earth)

Po = Jin (Metal)

Zhi = Shui (Water)


Sheng (Generating) Cycle

Useful for chronic long-term emotional issues.

For example: chronic ‘pit’ depression in the Jin (Metal)

then nourish the Tu (Earth)

Reference: http://www.yinyanghouse.com/theory/chinese/five_element_acupuncture_theory


Ko (Controlling) Cycle

Useful for acute short-term emotional issues.

Stimulate an emotional response in the preceding Wu

Xing on the Ko cycle

For example, in acute mania (Huo – Fire) then make

them fearful (attack the Shui – Water)

Reference: http://www.yinyanghouse.com/theory/chinese/five_element_acupuncture_theory


What are ‘Archetypes’?

“The original pattern or model from which all things of

the same kind are copied or on which they are based.

A model or first form.

Prototype.

www.dictionary.com


What are the Wu Xing

Archetypes?

They are a collective of everything that has come before on the Wu Xing.

It is not a system that has stayed the same in ancient China through to modern times; nor is it a system that originated in our modern Western world.

It is a collective of ideas that started in ancient China and then evolved over the millennia via different authors/philosophers/poets. It has then been merged with modern Western ideas as a result of Archetype pioneers such as Carl Jung, and TCM advancers such as John McDonald, Harriet Beinfield, Efrem Korngold, Debra Kaatz, Giovanni Maciocia, to name just a few.


What can you expect?

As a general rule:

One of the Wu Xing will be your predominant archetype.

Its likely there will be a second that will be a ‘fair bit

you’ also.

You should be a little of all the Wu Xing archetypes.

Sometimes you wont be just one ruling type; rather you

will be an almost equal combination of all five Wu Xing.

There is not hard and fast rule.


Destiny versus Desires

Destiny provides us with a ‘Full Brain’. Our senses and

experiences just remind us of what we already

inherently knew; this drives our destiny.

Desires are a result of an ‘Empty Brain’. Our senses and

experiences fill our brain; this drives our desires.

So which of these is responsible for our Wu Xing

archetype?

I believe it is both.

See also slides 66-72.


Mu (Wood) Element

Archetype

Yin organ = Gan (Liver).

Yang organ = Dan (Gall Bladder)

Founder, Forerunner, Adventurer

Pioneer, Innovator, Inventor, Creator, Developer, Discoverer, Forger, Explorer

“Infatuated with what is new, curious about what is untried, she is eager to innovate, reform and revolutionise” Beinfield and Korngold, 1991, p. 161.


Gan (Liver)

“The ‘Simple Questions’ [Huang Di Nei Jing Su Wen] in chapter 8 says: ‘The Liver is like an army’s general from whom the strategy is derived’” Maciocia, 2005, p. 117.

“The Liver is always on the point of putting its plan into action. It uses this capacity to carefully assess the circumstances that life brings. It can then move into action putting what is necessary into motion. In this way we are able to see our way forward through a plan that leads to our goals” Kaatz, 2005, p. 217.

“It is the Liver who holds the master blueprint of our lives directing us with its fine essences to become who we are whatever circumstances bring” Kaatz, 2005, p. 217.


Dan (Gall Bladder)

“The ‘Simple Questions’ [Huang Di Nei Jing Su Wen] in

chapter 8 says: ‘The Gall Bladder is the upright official

that takes decisions’” Maciocia,2005, p. 199.

“It is the Gall Bladder that puts the vision and plans of

the Liver into action with clear judgement and

decisions. This gives us a sense of hope, purpose and

growth. It ensures we start each day with new optimism

and new plans for our lives” Kaatz, 2005, p. 171.


Mu (Wood) Characteristics

Creative, dynamic, full of

vitality

Confident yet prudent,

courageous, bold, brave, and

ambitious

Shows initiative Desires purpose

Flexible approach therefore

adaptable to change

“Steers an awesome power”

Beinfield and Korngold, 1991,

p. 161

Decisive, direct, and

committed

Compelled to win

Balance between ‘off with

the fairies’ or ‘too grounded’

Fiercely independent

Expansive Must have freedom

Shows solid clarity,

judgement and foresight

Makes the rules but then

likes to break them

Appropriately assertive Will briefly weigh up ‘risk’

versus ‘reward’Written by David Hartmann -http://chinesemedicinehistoryandphilosophy.blogspot.com.au/

Mu (Wood) ‘Loves’Setting and achieving goals When action is demanded

they kick into gear

Problem solving – finding

solutions to problems

Winning – strives to be the

best and to beat their

personal best

“Likes to be first, best, and

only” Beinfield and Korngold,

1991, p. 175

Intense competitive pressure Staying busy

Thrives on challenges and

fast pace

Battling adversity – loves the

fight/struggle

Pushing to the limits and

beyond

Likes the ‘road less

travelled’; likely to build new

roads

Audacious – showing a

willingness to take

surprisingly bold yet

calculated risks

Risk versus reward


Mu (Wood) ‘Fears’

The same/constancy

Powerlessness, dependency,

helplessness

Beinfield and Korngold, 1991, p.

142

Feeling vulnerable, or having the

belief that other people hold that

view of you

Loss of control

Confinement, bondage

* http://www.inmagine.com/crbs097/crbs097677-photo


Mu (Wood) ‘Difficulty with’Intensity, restraint, equality, sharing,

and cooperation

Consistency

Hypocrisy, double standards

Anger, irritability

Conflicting purposes, choices, impulses

Beinfield and Korngold, 1991, p. 142

Can miss the companionship of equals

Substance abuse – stimulants and/or

sedatives

Can slip into Hun Shi – becomes too ‘off

with the fairies’; dreaming up the next

big thing; may fail to come back to

earth and therefore never gets anything

done; just dreams big

Can slip into Hun Xu – becomes too

grounded; too structured; not open to

change

* http://www.inmagine.com/izs020/izs020726-photo


Mu (Wood) ‘Shi’Overbearing, overconfident, dominant,

aggressive, intolerant, stupid and dangerous

Subject to uncontrollable impulses

Arrogant, aggressive, reckless, driven,

antagonistic, tyrannical, confrontational,

compulsive, impulsive.


Pretentious, pompous, fake, erratic,

premature, contrary, ineffectual, devious,

fickle, ambivalent


Plans poorly (either through no planning or

over-planning) and then blames other when

they fail

Outwardly volatile emotions – particularly

favours getting angry and frustrated

Self-indulgent

Intolerant, impatient, makes hasty

decisions

Poor judgement due to arrogance


Mu (Wood) ‘Xu’Slow, clumsy, vague, unclear, compromises,

submits, follows orders, stupid and dangerous

Compressed, confined, passive, timid

Habit bound with a rigid approach; hates

change because change is scary

Pretentious, pompous, fake, erratic,

premature, contrary, ineffectual, devious,

fickle, ambivalent


Plans poorly (either through no planning or

over-planning) and then blames other when

they fail

Inwardly volatile emotions – particularly favours

feeling overwhelmed, stressed, depressed,

powerless, frustrated, resentful and suspicious

of others

Self-punishing – very low self-esteem with a

total lack of confidence

Indecisive

Poor judgement due to people pleasing

* http://stockfresh.com/image/338443/hand-holding-sword-scales-of-justice


Mu (Wood) Treatment

Examples

Mu (Wood) Shi

LR1 (Da Dun)

Horary point (Wood on

Wood)

LR2 (Xing Jian)

Child point

GB38 (Yang Fu)

Child point

GB41 (Zu Lin Qi)


Wood)

Mu (Wood) Xu

LR1 (Da Dun)


Wood)

LR8 (Qu Quan)

Mother point

GB41 (Zu Lin Qi)


Wood)

GB43 (Xia Xi)

Mother point


How to treat a Mu (Wood)

patient

Discuss the treatment in a way that makes them think they

are going on a wonderful new adventure. One that no other

patient you have had has ever been on.

Explain that you know what to do because you have treated

patients similar to them but not quite like them. Assure

them of your conviction in the treatment

Make them feel like they are heavily involved in the

successful outcome of the treatment.

Rather than give them homework; explain what your

hopes/goals are with the treatment and then ask them how

they will achieve those goals when they leave.


Wu Shen

Hun (Ethereal Soul)

In a basic sense the Hun is our:

Ethereal Soul.

Heavenly Soul.

Sleeping and dreaming*

Emotional balance*

Decision making and planning*

Vision and imagination*

* Dechar, 2006, pp. 196-197.


Wu Shen

Hun (Ethereal Soul)

The Hun is our creative, artistic, poetic, imaginative soul.

Up here (Hun) anything is possible therefore dream your

grandest dreams.

Be playful, fun, energetic, and inspired.

The Hun doesn’t have limits or boundaries. Its like the

Universe or Heaven where there is no beginning or end.

The Hun is also where we plan, process, filter,

discriminate, organise, set goals, and prepare for action.

The Hun is our senses in overdrive. It operates best via

the senses, thereby the Hun uses what’s called ‘Post-

Heaven’ Intellect. In this way, the Hun is also linked to

the Yi.Written by David Hartmann -http://chinesemedicinehistoryandphilosophy.blogspot.com.au/

Wu Shen

Hun and Po

Our Hun isn’t tied to the Earth via gravity, but it is tied

to the Earth in a different way: via our Po.

Our Po is our ‘Grounded/Earthly Soul’ and is the Hun in

action.

Where the Hun was our ‘dream-big’ soul; the Po is our

‘do-big’ soul.

They are linked together just like Yin Yang. Hun is our

Yang soul and the Po is our Yin soul.

And just like Yin Yang, our Hun and Po can occasionally

tilt excessively in favour of one or the other. There is

never a complete severing of Hun and Po as this only

happens when you die.Written by David Hartmann -http://chinesemedicinehistoryandphilosophy.blogspot.com.au/

Wu Shen

Hun and Po imbalances Hun Shi – where we have tilted in favour of Hun.

We will still dream-big but no longer will we do-big.

Therefore we come up with heaps of ideas but we never

finish what we start; or we just threaten to get stuff

done; as in, all talk and no action!

We will have a ‘glass half-full’ attitude.

Our friends might say we are ‘off with the fairies’, ‘too

flighty’, or ‘on another planet’. If our name was Cara

this place might be called ‘Cara Land’.

I’m sure we all know of someone that is like this. When

you visit their house they have something partly

completed in every room; and their garden will be the

only one on the street that looks like it’s either half-

finished or half-started. Written by David Hartmann -http://chinesemedicinehistoryandphilosophy.blogspot.com.au/

Wu Shen

Hun and Po imbalances

Po Shi – where we have tilted in favour of Po.

Please refer to the Metal Element for further

information on this.

“[The Hun endows] us with the ability to discern our

path, stay clear on our direction, imagine possibilities,

move forward toward our goals and take a stand for

what we believe is right” Dechar, 2006, p. 196.


Wu Shen

Hun (Ethereal Soul)

In ancient times the Chinese believed that your Hun left

your body when you slept to travel the Heaven and the

Earth (the modern view is that the Hun descends from

the eyes to the Liver). That meant a part of you was

missing, thereby allowing another entity to invade your

body while you slept. This entity was essentially

maleficent and could be a demon or another sleeping

persons Hun.

In order to protect a sleeping person from invasion the

Chinese used moxibustion (Artemisia Vulgaris) smudging.

Another option they used was to sprinkle pepper seeds

around a sleeping person.


Wu Shen

Basic Hun Treatment LR 3 – Tai Chong

LR 8 – Qu Quan

LR 14 – Qi Men

BL 17 – Ge Shu

BL 18 – Gan Shu

BL 47 – Hun Men

SP 6 – San Yin Jiao

GB 40 – Qiu Xu

GV 20 – Bai Hui

KI 1 – Yong Quan

Hartmann, 2009, p. 59.

http://rayjpop.deviantart.com/art/Ethereal-Rainbow-Wings-311819839


Huo (Fire) Element Archetype

Yin organ = Xin (Heart)

Yin organ = Dan Zhong OR Jue Yin (Pericardium)

Yang organ = Xiao Chang (Small Intestine)

Yang organ = San Jiao (Triple Energiser)

Magician, Salesperson

Wizard, Shaman, Conjurer, Prodigy, Sorcerer/Sorceress,

Warlock/Witch, Witchdoctor


Huo (Fire) Element Archetype

“His excitement and enthusiasm generate … fusion …

[and] with this tremendous catalytic energy, he brings

the transforming power of light, love, and awareness

into the world” Beinfield and Korngold, 1991, p. 177.

“Enchanting and persuasive, the Wizard is a natural

salesman, selling not so much the product itself as the

experience of possessing an instrument of magic, a

veritable talisman, that endows us with the power to

transcend our ordinary existence. The magic, however, is

in the Wizard, not in the merchandise” Beinfield and

Korngold, 1991, p. 177.


Xin (Heart)


chapter 8 says: ‘The Heart is like the monarch and it

governs the Mind (Shen)’” Maciocia, 2005, p. 107.

“When we feel joy in our Heart, we can give great

warmth, love and enthusiasm to whatever task lies

before us” Kaatz, 2005, p. 241.

“The Heart is the centre of our essence from which truth

emanates” Kaatz, 2005, p. 241.


Dan Zhong (Pericardium)

“The ancient texts say that the Heart protector

[Pericardium] is the envoy for the Heart and in charge of

the Heart’s residence, and that elation and joy stem

from it” Kaatz, 2005, p. 275.

“Here [Pericardium] are the wonderful qualities of fire

of generosity, compassion, understanding, forgiveness

and love. Here we have a calm tranquility to rule from

our own inner temple of spirit with love” Kaatz, 2005, p.

275.


Xiao Chang (Small Intestine)

“The ‘Simple Questions’ [Huang Di Nei Jing Su Wen] says in chapter 8: ‘The Small Intestine is the official in charge of receiving, being filled and transforming’” Maciocia, 2005, p. 191.

“It [Small Intestine] gives us the ability to see the goodness in what comes to us and enables us to discern the rubbish and throw it away. This gives a natural sense of judgement especially when we have inner conflicts to resolve” Kaatz, 2005, p. 253.

“The Small Intestine protects the Heart from the unimportant and rubbish and sends only pure Qi to nourish and feed it. In this way the Heart can govern with clear thoughts and untroubled feelings” Kaatz, 2005, p. 253.


San Jiao (Triple Energiser)

“Chapter 8 of the ‘Simple Questions’ [Huang Di Nei Jing

Su Wen] describes the functions of all the Internal

Organs comparing them to ‘officials’; it says: ‘The Triple

Burner is the official in charge of irrigation and it

controls the Water passages’” Maciocia, 2005, pp. 211-

212.

“When the Triple Burner [San Jiao] is working well, we

have the give and take to balance our relationships and

live in harmony with what comes” Kaatz, 2005, P. 287.


Huo (Fire) CharacteristicsExcited, lively Strong Shen – memory,

consciousness, sleeping,

thinking, and emotions

Enthusiastic Might perceive gratification as

the end goal of any situation

Enchanting, charismatic,

seductive, flirtatious

Takes pleasure in the

achievement of their goals

Saturates ‘normal’ with

‘phenomenal’

Intimate, compassionate,

tender, seeks the perfect lover

Persuasive Intuitive

Alert, mentally clear, aware Talented communicator

Well oriented, focused Eternal optimist, sanguine

Happy and hearty Spontaneous

Emotionally balanced Empathetic

Enjoys life’s ups – not the

downs

Devoted


Huo (Fire) ‘Loves’

Pleasure, intimacy, romance,

being in love

Seeking the Divine

Seeking excitement and joy

Performing for others

Touch, sensation, feeling

To say ‘yes’

Living in the ‘now’

Grandiosity

Drama

Adrenaline

* http://www.thejoyhouse.com/


Huo (Fire) ‘Fears’

Separation, boredom, dullness, pain


To be cut off from others, dissolution

Inactivity or ‘down’ time

Confusion

Boundaries

The ordinary/mundane

The conservative

Being overwhelmed by intensity

Dreads what the future might hold

The unknown

* http://blog.zenoss.com/2013/02/the-proof-is-out-there-

forrester-consulting-finds-that-fragmented-it-

troubleshooting-costs-you-money/


Huo (Fire) ‘Difficulty with’Can be preoccupied with self-

stimulation

Conflicting needs, desires,

attractions


Solitude – but does need it on

occasion to recharge

Saying ‘no’

Stimulant addiction, including

gambling

Sleeping

Shutting down

Boundaries, giving others space

Separation from loved ones

Might perceive gratification as the

end goal of any situation

http://liverichly.me/?p=2643


Huo (Fire) ‘Shi’

Overexcited

Hypersensitive

Long-winded

Anxiety

Manic, psychotic, aggressive

and very dangerous

Confused

Selfish

Agitation

Sensory perception issues –

such as seeing things that

aren’t there

Insomnia

Abuse of mind-altering

substances

Addicted to stimulants

* http://www.jokideo.com/i-like-you-but-sometimes-your-

psychotic-mood-swings/


Huo (Fire) ‘Xu’Easily startled

Mute, quiet, but still dangerous

Gullible, naïve, innocent

Dazed, confused, disoriented

Depressed, unhappy, disheartened

Lost

Panicky

Nervous exhaustion

Insomnia

Abuse of mind-altering substances;

addicted to stimulants

Semi-conscious

Apathetic, lethargic, disinterested


Huo (Fire) Treatment

Examples

Huo (Fire) Shi

HT7 (Shen Men)

Child point

HT8 (Shao Fu)

Horary point (Fire on Fire)

SI5 (Yang Gu)


SI8 (Xiao Hai)

Child point

Huo (Fire) Xu

PC8 (Lao Gong)


PC9 (Zhong Chong)

Mother point

TE3 (Zhong Zhu)

Mother point

TE6 (Zhi Gou)



How to treat a Huo (Fire) patient

Explain to them that TCM is not a ‘normal’ medicine. It is a

phenomenal medicine that is already treating them at this

very moment, and will continue to for a considerable amount

of time afterwards.

Use grand sweeping arm movements to describe TCM. Change

the volume and pitch of your voice. Be enthusiastic, lively,

and remain optimistic throughout.

Try to include some Tui Na in your treatment because they

love touch.

Sell them the medicine!!


Wu Shen

Shen (Spirit)

In a basic sense the Shen is our:

Memory – short-term and long-term.

Consciousness – semi-conscious, unconscious.

Sleep – insomnia, narcolepsy, dreaming/nightmares.

Emotions – all of them; not just Joy.

Hun – Ethereal/Heavenly Soul.

Po – Corporeal/Grounded Soul.

Yi – Thought.

Zhi – Willpower.


Wu Shen

Shen (Spirit)

Based on the assumption that we are born with inherent

(Pre-Heaven) knowledge about the world, the two main

organs involved with that process are the Heart (as the

Emperor he is all seeing/all knowing) and the Kidneys

(where this inherent or Pre-Heaven knowledge is

housed). The Metal element is also involved.

Therefore the Shen, which is housed in the Heart can be

used to stimulate the release of that knowledge.

Some people like to give that knowledge a name, or

even describe it as a person. Mine is a very old Chinese

dude dressed in white. He sits on my left shoulder

whispering into my ear, and is a truly amazing man.


Wu Shen

Shen (Spirit)

If we revisit the ‘Destiny versus Desires’ argument from

before and assume, for the sake of this presentation,

that we are living the life we were meant to live. Our

life has been planned out for us and this is our Destiny.

This Destiny is housed in the Heart, as is the Shen;

therefore if a patient feels they have lost their way, you

could treat the Shen to remind them of their true path.

This would be particularly good if you had a patient that

felt there was no point to life; or felt like there should

be more to life; or felt they weren’t living the life they

were meant to; or perhaps felt they had no reason for

living.


Wu Shen

Shen (Spirit)

“Most of all, the presence of healthy shen results in a

life that is uniquely suited to the individual and a

person whose actions make sense within the context of

the surrounding environment” Dechar, 2006, p. 171.

“The shen ‘gives the orders’ that precipitate each

human life. But the shen also gives us our ‘heavenly

mandate’ … our individual destiny” Dechar, 2006, p.

174.


Wu Shen

Shen (Spirit)

Confucius (Kong Fu Zi) and Mencius (Meng Zi) also had

important things to say about the Heart, Destiny, and

Desires.

Mencius suggested that when a person loses their Heart

they lose their sense of purpose, destiny, and their

connection to Tian (Heaven). As a result he/she fills

that space with desires that are coming from Di

(Earthly), worldly, and sensory attractions.

This is because we are linked with Heaven and Earth

through Tian Di Ren (Heaven, Earth, Man/Human).


Wu Shen

Shen (Spirit)

“He [the gentleman] is not governed by the attractions

and repulsions of the senses [desires]; he can engage in

moral reflection [destiny]. Mencius speaks of the heart

as the organ of thought and of its having the role of a

kind of reflective conscience which should govern one’s

life” (Collinson et al, 2000, p. 235).


Wu Shen

Shen (Spirit)

Mencius believed that people are born good and this

‘Goodness’ is housed in the Heart. This Goodness was

made up of four parts:

The Heart of Compassion & Pity.

The Heart of Shame.

The Heart of Courtesy & Modesty.

The Heart of Right & Wrong.

From a Chinese medicine perspective, we could treat

the Shen to stimulate not only our inherent Goodness,

but also to rouse the four ingrained tendencies

mentioned above.


Wu Shen

Basic Shen Treatment HT 3 – Shao Hai

HT 7 – Shen Men

BL 15 – Xin Shu

BL 44 – Shen Tang

PC 6 – Nei Guan

GV 20 – Bai Hui

GB 20 – Feng Chi

BL 10 – Tian Zhu

Yin Tang – M-HN-3

CV 15 – Jiu Wei

Hartmann, 2009, p. 139.

* http://www.takeheartcanada.com/


Tu (Earth) Element Archetype

Yin organ = Pi (Spleen)

Yang organ = Wei (Stomach)

Negotiator, Mediator, Saviour

Peacemaker, Diplomat, Arbitrator, Intermediary, Go-

between, Appeaser, Pacifier, Balancer



“The Peacemaker embodies sympathy and caring, a

ready advocate for those in greatest need – of

friendship, sustenance, and recognition. Negotiating

peace for its own sake, she tirelessly serves humanity as

the great balancer and equaliser, the preserver of

families and societies” Beinfield and Korngold, 1991, p.

191.

“When the Earth within us is secure, we can nourish

others and ourselves with gentleness, patience, love,

joy, and calm restfulness” Kaatz, 2005, p. 319.



“When the vicissitudes [fluctuations] of our lives

threaten to overturn or deflect us from our path, our

Earth aspect returns us to an even keel” Beinfield and

Korngold, 1991, p. 136.

“… can assume and enhance the attributes of those

around her, putting people at ease in an environment of

trust” Beinfield and Korngold, 1991, p. 191.


Pi (Spleen)

“Since the Spleen is the central organ in the digestive process, it is often referred to as the ‘Granary official from whom the five tastes are derived’” Maciocia, 2005, p. 143.

“… the Spleen [is] a minister of agriculture and trade” Beinfield and Korngold, 1991, p. 137.

“Without good distribution of nourishment [Spleen’s job] our ordinary tasks become a struggle and we lose our balance and security. The future is no longer secure. When all flows well we can work and move with confidence, knowing the resources will be there when we need them” Kaatz, 2005, p. 369.


Wei (Stomach)

“The ‘Simple Questions’ [Huang Di Nei Jing Su Wen] says in chapter 8: ‘The Spleen and Stomach are the officials in charge of food storage and from whom the five flavours are derived’” Maciocia, 2005, p. 185.

“When we are full of the harvest fruits and truly have our home and place on the earth, then we feel cared for and move with balance and stability. When we have a full basket of the five grains of life [from the Stomach], then out of that centre we can give others the sympathy that they need with a fullness and compassion” Kaatz, 2005, p. 321.


Tu (Earth) CharacteristicsNegotiator, peacemaker Sociable

Stable, poised, composed,

moderate

Nurturing, supportive

Intelligent – ‘Post-Heaven Yi’

(as opposed to ‘Pre-Heaven’

Intellect which is housed in

the Kidney Jing)

Sympathetic, considerate,

attentive

Beinfield and Korngold, 1991,

p. 201

Exceptional memory; quick

learner

Agreeable

Remembers things with

minimal study; good

concentration

Focused intent

Self-aware Constructive thought

Loyal Reflects on past events

(successes and failures) and

productively learns from

them


Tu (Earth) ‘Loves’Unification

Harmony, serenity, security,

predictability

Details

Seeking comfort

Feeling needed

Family

Stable relationships for themselves

and the people close to them

Sharing

Being involved in everything

Being the negotiator, during which

they need to be the ‘go to’ person

Being well organised

Living in the ‘now’

* http://www.sustainable.org/creating-

community/conflict-resolution-a-mediation


Tu (Earth) ‘Fears’Conflicting roles, loyalties, frames of

reference/value system


Obstruction, stagnation, sluggishness

To feel lost, isolated, separated,

displaced, independent of their wider

community

Other people being disloyal,

treacherous, unfaithful, untrustworthy,

‘snake in the grass’

Change

Conflict in general

Not feeling valued for their negotiation

skills

Insecurity

Self-doubt

That things are not going according to

plan

* http://www.a-postagalamb.hu/author/foszerkeszto1954/


Tu (Earth) ‘Difficulty with’“… may be so concerned with

establishing balance and harmony that

the dynamic tension essential for

movement and change is neutralised”


Interfering/meddling where they are

not wanted or not needed

Manipulating situations to make them

fit what you believe is best for

everyone – what would you know?

Self-sacrifice, pleasing others

Being everything to everyone

Unrealistic expectations of other

people’s behaviour and/or how the

world should operate

Feel extreme disappointment if people

fall below the lofty standards you set

Melancholy

Independence

* http://fenchenzo821.deviantart.com/art/Don-t-

Interfere-282268219


Tu (Earth) ‘Shi’Overprotective, can overcrowd;

overbearing

Meddlesome

Takes unnecessary risks

Poor memory; slow learner; scattered

thought or pensive (plunged in thought)

Excessively worries about everyone and

everything

Obsessive

Overextends/overreaches

Can worry so much about the future that

they become obsessed with it; therefore

live in the ‘future’

Narcissistic – often worn as a mask, rather

than an inherent love of oneself

Can become obsessed to the point of

displaying psychotic behaviour towards a

particular person

Can reject other peoples sympathetic

advances

* http://i-mmad.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/over-

protective-parents-whats-present.html


Tu (Earth) ‘Xu’Unmotivated; stuck ; can’t be

bothered; it’s all too hard

Vague, can’t concentrate

Conforming Excessively worries about

everyone and everything

Poor memory – too tired to study Lethargic, tired, sleeps all the

time, exhausted

Slow learner; can’t retain

information; procrastinates

Sloppy

Melancholic Poor self-esteem with a real

‘shame-for-self’ cycle with

accompanying grief, sadness,

worry, and fear

Reflects excessively on the past;

therefore lives in the ‘past’

Craves sympathy from others;

may manufacture signs and

symptoms, even diseases, in

order to receive more sympathy

Can cling/attach themselves

viciously to others

Obsequious, servile, submissive


Tu (Earth) Treatment

Examples

Tu (Earth) Shi

SP3 (Tai Bai)

Horary point (Earth on

Earth)

SP5 (Shang Qiu)

Child point

ST36 (Zu San Li)


Earth)

ST45 (Li Dui)

Child point

Tu (Earth) Xu

SP2 (Da Du)

Mother point

SP3 (Tai Bai)


Earth)

ST36 (Zu San Li)


Earth)

ST41 (Jie Xi)

Mother point


How to treat a Tu (Earth) patient

Show a real focused intent during the treatment. They are

your ‘entire world’ for the time you have with them.

Don’t look distracted or disinterested. Don’t yawn and don’t

appear vague or uncommitted; and definitely don’t get up to

answer the clinic phone if it rings.

Talk about how the treatment will provide harmony and

balance.

Make them feel comforted and needed; that you care that

they came to you for treatment.

Understand that they are also extremely intelligent people so

don’t treat them like children.


Wu Shen

Yi (Thought)

In a basic sense the Yi is our:

Thought.

Intellect – Post-Heaven (but some Pre-Heaven).

Balance/pivot between the Hun and Po.

Balance/pivot between the Shen and Zhi.

Our dreams becoming our reality.


Wu Shen

Yi (Thought)

The Yi gives us the ability to study, concentrate,

memorise, and recall learnt facts via clear, fast and

accurate thinking.

The Yi takes the Hun dreams and plants them into the

Po, thereby ensuring dreams become reality.

The Yi can also act as a filter of truth because it has the

ability to ensure that the dreams we wish to become

reality are in fact our own and not someone else’s. This

will only work though if the person is willing to listen to

all of the Wu Shen, and not just the Yi. Thankfully this

is actually very easy. One just has to accept the Wu

Shen exist and are relevant to our story. Its that simple!


Wu Shen

Yi (Thought)

Even though all the Wu Shen are involved with ensuring

we follow our destiny, the Yi is in a unique position –

that of the middle. This allows the Yi to understand and

appreciate how the other four Shen operate and

function. This is because they have a little piece of the

other four Shen within it.

This means that the Yi can function for our greatest

good by using the Pre-Heaven intellect and/or the Post-

Heaven intellect. This will ensure that we aren’t

distracted by false truths and therefore follow our one

true path.

The Yi also ensures we remain true to the belief that

the world can be saved via integrity and altruism.Written by David Hartmann -http://chinesemedicinehistoryandphilosophy.blogspot.com.au/

Wu Shen

Yi (Thought)

I once had a dream that most likely was my Chinese

dude passing on relevant information. In it I had

multiple lives (within my one life) layered on top of one

another. And even though I didn’t physically witness all

of these lives I inherently knew that there were eight

layers in total.

Which is just perfect isn’t it? The eight is both infinite

and the supreme ultimate (Yin Yang symbol). There is

no beginning or end. Plus there are peaks and troughs at

either end of the figure eight as well. Classic Chinese!!

Hence the reason I believe this was the work of my

Chinese dude dressed in white. So what did it

represent?


Wu Shen

Yi (Thought)

I believe it symbolised that we operate under a pre-

determined destiny represented by the figure eight being

a closed symbol.

But it also shows us that we have free will and can

choose the way our day-to-day activities unfold because

the eights are flat and layered on top of one another.

Anytime we like we can jump up or down onto a different

eight, which will take us on a slightly different path.

Taken a step further, this symbol is our Yi. Yes we are

limited by our destiny, but is that really a bad thing?

Plus in some ways we are also limited by our desires.

So how does this model work?Written by David Hartmann -http://chinesemedicinehistoryandphilosophy.blogspot.com.au/

Wu Shen

Yi (Thought)

In a most basic sense it shows that whilst our lives are

pre-determined we have the capacity, within certain

limits, to live our desires. These yearnings, via their

limitations, will ensure that we meet similar people that

will set us on the correct path.

We will have all our significant relationships with people

that can give us the same basic fulfilment and assistance.

The variables remain within the number eight (or

whatever number it actually is for you).

That kind of mucks with the idea that there is ‘The One’

in our key man or woman relationship, and in fact,

actually suggests that there are eight of them out there.

Having said that, destiny ensures that we meet the right

one for the right moment.Written by David Hartmann -http://chinesemedicinehistoryandphilosophy.blogspot.com.au/

Yi (Thought)

Not one single Chinese philosophical system that I have

read has ever suggested that life was easy and was

actually even meant to be easy. Life is hard, but that’s for

a very good reason! Without the tough times we cant

appreciate the good times!

Can you imagine only ever knowing anger? And all other

emotions didn’t exist. Its not possible is it? Then what

about joy? It’s the same thing; because if all you knew was

joy, then happiness becomes meaningless because it’s the

standard. Regardless, its not possible in Chinese

medicine/philosophy anyway.

The Chinese have known this for thousands of years but

the West is only just beginning to appreciate this very

fact. Why? Because they have only been allowed free

thought for the last 500+ years. And this is a small moment

in time in the context of the world.Written by David Hartmann -http://chinesemedicinehistoryandphilosophy.blogspot.com.au/

Wu Shen

Yi (Thought)

So to close, I’m basically saying that the Yi operates in

the middle of the ‘Known’ and ‘Unknown’, but

regardless it uses the knowledge of all the Wu Shen to

create a system of connection and balance.

“The yi holds the centre. It is the connecting link

between the hun and po souls” Dechar, 2006, p. 230.

“[The Yi] lets the world know that we mean to stand by

our dreams” Dechar, 2006, p. 216.


Wu Shen

Basic Yi Treatment SP 3 – Tai Bai


BL 10 – Tian Zhu

BL 49 – Yi She

HT 7 – Shen Men

GB 20 – Feng Chi

GV 20 – Bai Hui

PC 6 – Nei Guan

Yin Tang – M-HN-3

ST 8 – Tou Wei

Hartmann, 2009, p. 156.* http://chakracenter.org/2013/04/17/the-meaning-of-number-8/


Jin (Metal) Element Archetype

Yin organ = Fei (Lung)

Yang organ = Da Chang (Large Intestine)

Modifier, Alchemist

Transformer, Experimenter, Hermetic, Converter, Pseudoscientist

“Like an abbot ensconced in his sanctuary, serene, detached, unflappable, he instructs us in the meaning of ritual and doctrine, providing the structure that enables people to apply the metaphysical to the mundane” Beinfield and Korngold, 1991, p. 205.


Jin (Metal) Element Archetype

“When we let go of old habits and values to prepare for

a new stage of our life, the power of Metal enables us

to sigh deeply and release” Beinfield and

Korngold,1991, p. 136.


Fei (Lung)


chapter 8 says that: ‘The Lungs are like a Prime Minister

in charge of regulation’” Maciocia, 2005, p. 129.

“The Lungs act like a minister to the Heart giving

guidance, advice, suggestions and opinions from its

connection with the Heavens” Kaatz, 2005, p. 401.


Da Chang (Large Intestine)

“Chapter 8 of the ‘Simple Questions’ [Huang Di Nei Jing

Su Wen] says: ‘The Large Intestine is the official in

charge of passage and conduction [draining the dregs]’”

Maciocia, 2005, p. 195.

“We may be unable to let go of many things in our lives

and by clinging to the past, old sorrows and old beliefs

we are unable to take in the fresh air and inspiration

that comes to us. In this way the Large Intestine is a

vital part of our cycle in cleaning out the old in order to

be able to take in the new” Kaatz, 2005, p. 415.


Jin (Metal) CharacteristicsIs able to recognise, isolate,

and then extract, the ‘pure’

from the ‘impure’

Calm, stoic, patient

Can spot the bullshit from a

mile away

Sets high standards for

themselves, and subsequently

the rest of humanity

The ability to discriminate Optimistic

Very precise, methodical Can be intrepid and

adventurous – if they feel safe;

will travel light

Finding the beauty in things Generally adaptable to change

Very ethical person Throws out old to make way for

the new

Stay the ‘level/moderate’

ground; reserved

Emotionally balanced

Neat and tidy Strong sensation, feeling,

hearing and sightWritten by David Hartmann -http://chinesemedicinehistoryandphilosophy.blogspot.com.au/

Jin (Metal) ‘Loves’Definition, structure, discipline


217

Can dig out the order from the

disorder/chaos

Organising everything, systems

Precision

Control

Ethics, moral values, standards,

righteousness, correctness

Finding the beauty in things,

purity

Authoritarian role-models/peers –

as viewed using their own ‘world-

view’ filter

* http://blogs.loc.gov/digitalpreservation/2012/01/from-chaos-

to-order-diverse-communities-interested-in-personal-digital-

archiving-resources/


Jin (Metal) ‘Fears’Being overcrowded

Conflicting principles/standards

Differences

Lack of order, things falling into

disrepair, chaos

Spontaneity

To get corrupted

Intimacy

Particularly complex problems

Things that don’t/can’t be made

sense of

Immoral people/immoral planet

Breaking new ground – but will

respect authoritarian role-models

that do this on their behalf

http://www.gapingvoid.com/Moveable_Type/archives/

003847.html


Jin (Metal) ‘Difficulty with’“Metal adheres to rules and

protocols even when these have

become a hindrance [ritualistic]”


136

Disappointment in everyone and

everything; not meeting the high

standards they set

Constantly striving for perfection

and order in all things

Expressing emotions

Being too judgemental of others;

prejudiced

Intimacy

Always being right Authority – if they view them at

a lower standard to themselves

Close relationships – want to be

close to others but must be

given their distance

Can slip into Po Xu – becomes

too ‘off with the fairies’; pure

escapism; may fail to come back

to earth and therefore never

gets anything done

Will fight to stay the ‘moderate’

and ‘safe’ course

Can slip into Po Shi – becomes

too grounded; too structured;

not open to changeWritten by David Hartmann -http://chinesemedicinehistoryandphilosophy.blogspot.com.au/

Jin (Metal) ‘Shi’

Overly strict, dogmatic,

despotic, autocratic

Self-righteous,

sanctimonious, holier-than-

thou

Distant/cool

Petty

Indifferent

Hypocritical

Hangs onto the past

Never throws anything away

Carries emotional baggage

Scattered/numb sensation,

feeling, hearing, and sight

* http://imgarcade.com/1/dogmatism-examples/


Jin (Metal) ‘Xu’Can feel constricted, restricted

Disillusioned, dispirited, resigned to

failure, pessimistic

‘Pit’ depression; severe suicidal

tendencies

Sloppy

Indifferent

Compliant

Elusive

Conservative

Hangs onto the past

Stays indoors and at home; doesn’t

travel, but if they do they ‘pack

the house’

Never throws anything away

Carries emotional baggage

Weak sensation, feeling, hearing,

and sight

* http://www.toonpool.com/cartoons/Depression%20Nation_34096


Jin (Metal) Treatment

Examples

Jin (Metal) Shi

LU5 (Chi Ze)

Child point

LU8 (Jing Qu)

Horary point (Metal on

Metal)

LI1 (Shang Yang)


Metal)

LI2 (Er Jian)

Child point

Jin (Metal) Xu

LU8 (Jing Qu)


Metal)

LU9 (Tai Yuan)

Mother point

LI1 (Shang Yang)


Metal)

LI11 (Qu Chi)

Mother point


How to treat a Jin (Metal) patient

Be honest in your approach and discuss how clinical trials have

shown TCM to be effective in treating their condition. Don’t

lie to them or try to bullshit them.

Also methodically outline your personal approach to treatment

and why you chose this methodology.

Outline a set plan for treatment and book the same

appointment time every week.

Encourage them to research TCM at home and come back the

following session with additional queries. Allow them to be

actively involved in their recovery.


Wu Shen

Po (Corporeal Soul)

In a basic sense the Po is our:

Corporeal Soul.

Earthly Soul.

Grounded Soul.

Dreams-in-action.

Systems, patterns, habits, goals, and processes.


Po (Corporeal Soul)

The Po is our action, forward movement, and unlimited

applied force. It ensures that the dreams from the Hun

become reality. But this requires systems, patterns, habits,

goals, and processes to ensure success, which is what the

Po thrives on.

The Po plays a part in our sensation, breathing, balance,

correct muscle/tendon function, feeling, sight, and

hearing. It also has some minor role in certain organ

function, namely the Lungs and Large Intestine.

Down here (Po) any dream can become reality. Stay

focused, committed, and driven.

But know also that everything that is meant to be will be,

therefore never ‘force the issue’.

So whilst the Po is your ‘doing-big’ soul, also practice the

art of ‘being-big’ too. After all we are human beings not

human doings. This art of ‘just being’ is called Wu Wei.Written by David Hartmann -http://chinesemedicinehistoryandphilosophy.blogspot.com.au/

Wu Shen

Po (Corporeal Soul) The Po is our inherent knowing in overdrive. It operates

best via this inner trust and faith, thereby the Po uses

what’s called ‘Pre-Heaven’ Intellect. In this way, the Po is

also linked to the Zhi and the Shen.

In fact, the Po is created from our parents Kidney Jing at

conception.

Even though the Po uses this ‘Pre-Heaven’ Intellect to

great effect it also needs the use of the senses (eyes,

ears, nose, and mouth) which is part of our ‘Post-Heaven’

Intellect. In this way the Po ensures that two things

happen:

1) That dreams become reality via action and the use of

the senses.

2) That our inherent knowing is validated and actioned.


Wu Shen

Po and Hun

Our Po is tied to the Heaven’s via the Hun. The Po needs

this ethereal anchor because without it, the Po will tunnel

underground. If that happens: see Po Shi on next slide.

Our Hun is our ‘Ethereal/Heavenly Soul’ and is the Po ‘in

dreams’.

Where the Hun was our ‘dream-big’ soul; the Po is our

‘do-big’ soul.

They are linked together just like Yin Yang. Hun is our

Yang soul and the Po is our Yin soul.

And just like Yin Yang, our Hun and Po can occasionally

tilt excessively in favour of one or the other. There is

never a complete severing of Hun and Po as this only

happens when you die.


Po and Hun imbalances

Po Shi – where we have tilted in favour of Po.

We will ‘do-big’ but no longer will we ‘dream-big’. We will

also most definitely not ‘be-big’ (Wu Wei).

Because we have lost our ability to dream, forward plan,

and create, we structure our lives mercilessly.

We become too rigid and are no longer open to change

because change is now scary.

We will be obsessed with ensuring everything in our life is

planned down to the minutest detail. Nothing can change;

everything has to stay the same.

We will feel stuck in our life; in our rigidity; in our systems.

But because we don’t dream anymore we don’t know how

to break out.

Not surprisingly, we will have a ‘glass half-empty’ attitude.


Po and Hun Imbalances

Hun Shi – where we have tilted in favour of Hun.

Please refer to the Wood Element for further information

on this.

“The Po are our embodied knowing, our animal wit, our

street smarts, the part of us that can sniff out what’s

right or wrong, good or bad, safe or unsafe” Dechar, p.

239.

“Deep below the level of our conscious ability to

articulate in words what we think about a person, place

or situation, the po spirits already know – and, whether

or not we realise it, our body has begun to respond by

contracting or expanding, hardening or softening”

Dechar, p. 239.


Wu Shen

Basic Po Treatment LU 3 – Tian Fu

LU 7 – Lie Que

LU 9 – Tai Yuan

BL 13 – Fei Shu

BL 42 – Po Hu

BL 44 – Shen Tang

HT 7 – Shen Men

LI 4 – He Gu

GV 20 – Bai Hui

KI 1 – Yong Quan

Hartmann, 2009, p. 45.* http://unearthedcomics.com/comics/get-grounded-man/


Shui (Water) Element Archetype

Yin organ = Shen (Kidney)

Yang organ = Pang Guang (Urinary Bladder)

Truth-seeker, Philosopher

Theorist, Thinker, Academic, Intellectual, Logician,

Scholar, Dreamer


Shui (Water) Element Archetype

“Revelation propels the Philosopher in her relentless quest for truth. She brings to light that which is hidden, uncovering new knowledge, dispelling mystery, eroding ignorance … The Philosopher yearns for meaning that transcends the rudderless meandering of human affairs” Beinfield and Korngold, 1991, p. 219.

“When our labours demand that we stop, rest, and take stock of what we have done, and rededicate ourselves to a fresh purpose, our Water aspect gives us the renewed vitality and will to carry on” Beinfield and Korngold, 1991, p. 136.


Shen (Kidney)

“The ‘Simple Questions’ [Huang Di Nei Jing Su Wen] says in chapter 8: ‘The Kidneys are the strong official from whom ingenuity is derived’” Maciocia, 2005, p. 157.

“Here [Kidney Jing] also are our deepest reserves that we can call on at times of greatest need. Out of this vital inherited energy comes will, purpose, vitality and strength. It is said that both skill and ability come out of this creative power of the Kidneys giving strength and endurance … It is within the Kidneys that our spiritual inheritance lies” Kaatz, 2005, p. 515.


Pang Guang (Urinary Bladder)


chapter 8 says: ‘The Bladder is like a district capital, it

stores fluids which are then excreted by the power of Qi

transformation’” Maciocia, 2005, p. 205.

“The [Urinary] Bladder is a magnificent reservoir of

energetic Qi able to feed every cell in the body with the

life giving force of water … Water gives us endurance,

determination, ambition and our inherited reserves”

Kaatz, 2005, p. 445.


Shui (Water) CharacteristicsHonest Perseverance – despite fear

Self-sufficient, durable, tough,

particular

Tranquil

Remembers everything Energetic

Intelligent – ‘Pre-Heaven Jing’

(as opposed to ‘Post-Heaven’

Intellect which is housed in the

Spleen Yi)

Introspective, contemplative

Gets things done Cautious, conservative,

careful, watchful

Sensible, practical, utilitarian Extremely modest, almost to a

fault

Has incredible

imagination/creativity

Curious

Strong willpower and

determination

Articulate, well-spoken (when

they need to be)


Shui (Water) ‘Loves’Facts

Getting to the truth of the

matter

Uncovering new knowledge

Always finishing what they start;

get a ‘super-charge’ when they

complete difficult tasks

Unlocking the mysteries of the

world

Finding a good teacher

Connecting with someone’s

brain/intellect; not their

body/intimacy

Privacy

Remaining anonymous, enigmatic

‘Me’ time Written by David Hartmann -http://chinesemedicinehistoryandphilosophy.blogspot.com.au/

Shui (Water) ‘Fears’Distraction

Other people invading their

space and time

Sharing

Conforming to the status

quo

The ending of something

Being exposed

Becoming forgetful

Becoming a hypochondriac* http://www.faysflounderings.com/2013/10/24/the-

advantages-of-being-forgetful/


Shui (Water) ‘Difficulty with’“Able to envision what can be, she is

critical of what is by comparison. She

discerns the inevitable disparity between

apparent and ultimate reality” Beinfield

and Korngold, 1991, p. 219

Conflicting visions, stories, expectations


Excessively ponders which may result in

missing an opportunity

Tendency to become a hermit; seeks

solitude; therefore difficulty with social

gatherings

Can come across as being very eccentric

Confidence around others

Trusting others

Generosity

Expressing their emotions

* http://www.coconutfitness.com/2014/01/fancy-

a-work-in/


Shui (Water) ‘Shi’

Extremely critical, cynical,

blunt, sarcastic, pessimistic,

tactless, rash

Forgetful

Constantly getting distracted

from a task via ‘anxiety and

fear of failure’

Rarely finish what they start –

falls in an exhausted heap if

they go to the trouble of

finishing the task

Never shares anything; cagey;

suspicious

Outwardly covets, craves,

yearns for what they

don’t/can’t have

Unforgiving Appear preoccupied

Dishonest Voyeuristic

Superficial Fussy, precious, trivial

Quits when afraid Suspicious of everyone and

everything

Anxious Nonspecific feeling of dread

and foreboding Written by David Hartmann -http://chinesemedicinehistoryandphilosophy.blogspot.com.au/

Shui (Water) ‘Xu’

Locks themselves away from

the world

Dull, stupid, dim witted,

forgetful

Constantly getting distracted

from a task via ‘giving up

before the going gets tough’

Likely to have a phobia of

some description, such as

agoraphobia

Obsessively craves protection Lacks stamina

Dishonest Thrifty, frugal, miserly

Become soft/spineless Useless

Feels abandoned Suspicious of everyone and

everything

Easily discouraged Inwardly covets, craves,

yearns for what they

don’t/can’t have

Gives up – never completes

anything

Nonspecific feeling of dread

and foreboding


Shui (Water) Treatment

Examples

Shui (Water) Shi

KI1 (Yong Quan)

Child point

KI10 (Yin Gu)

Horary point (Water on

Water)

BL65 (Shu Gu)

Child point

BL66 (Zu Tong Gu)


Water)

Shui (Water) Xu

KI7 (Fu Liu)

Mother point

KI10 (Yin Gu)


Water)

BL66 (Zu Tong Gu)


Water)

BL67 (Zhi Yin)

Mother point


How to treat a Shui (Water) patient

Discuss the history and philosophy of TCM; how it came to be;

how its stayed pretty much the same for the better part of

5000 years. Tweak their inherent curiosity to know more about

TCM.

Get them to use their willpower, determination, and drive to

enhance the success of treatment.

If you don’t know the answer to something then always tell

the truth as they will respect you more because of their

honest nature; they will know your lying!

If they want to know more then suggest a few books or

websites for them to enhance their knowledge base.


Wu Shen

Zhi (Willpower)

In a basic sense the Zhi is our:

Willpower.

Pre-Heaven Intellect.

Instinctual Power*

Courage*

* Dechar, 2006, p. 273.


Wu Shen

Zhi (Willpower) The Willpower of Zhi is a lot more than just saying to your

mates that two beers is enough thanks!

It encompasses things such as:

Courage – it can be tough to take a stand in order to live

in your truth. The Zhi gives you the pluck/mettle to

succeed.

Fortification – your Zhi keeps you committed and focused

to stay the right and proper course.

Strength – your Zhi gives you the power to say no to

people, and to feel good about the decision we made.

Truth – your Zhi allows you to stand in your truth. Here

you cant be bullied, threatened, pressured, or convinced

to change your mind.Written by David Hartmann -http://chinesemedicinehistoryandphilosophy.blogspot.com.au/

Wu Shen

Zhi (Willpower)

The Zhi is inexorably linked to the Pre-Heaven Intellect.

This is the stuff we know without knowing how we

know. In other words, it’s knowledge about the world

that has been passed onto us at conception.

Strong Zhi ensures an excellent connection with our

Pre-Heaven Intellect, and vice versa.

This Pre-Heaven Intellect uses the senses only as a tool

for remembering/reminding us of what we inherently

knew.


Zhi (Willpower)

The Zhi is housed in the Kidneys and this gives it access to

our ‘Fight, Flight, Freeze’ (FFF) associated with the

adrenal glands.

As you are probably aware this is our automatic response

to danger – and involves us either fighting, flighting, or

freezing. This has both a positive and a negative

component:

Positive – because the Zhi inherently knows the correct

path to take, when the Zhi is functioning well then the

FFF will react instinctively in our best interests.

Negative – if we are Zhi Shi then we may choose to fight

when in fact to flee was the correct response; on the

other hand if we are Zhi Xu we may freeze when to fight

was the correct response. That lack of connection

between the Zhi and FFF can get us into a lot of trouble.Written by David Hartmann -http://chinesemedicinehistoryandphilosophy.blogspot.com.au/

Wu Shen

Zhi (Willpower)

When the Zhi is balanced there is no such thing as

phobias. This is because we will operate on an even keel

that doesn’t allow us to move into extremes of anything.

We will, however, still get fearful from time to time

because that is a balanced response to certain elements.

The Zhi also gives us courage to take on challenging tasks

and because we feel so awesome when we succeed this

drives us onto the next challenge.

And as stated before, the Zhi uses Pre-Heaven Intellect to

weigh up challenges, thereby we inherently know if the

next decision is going to be successful or reckless. These

correct decisions allow us to operate in a balanced

manner that doesn’t operate in the realm of phobias.


Wu Shen

Zhi (Willpower)

“The realm of the zhi spirits is the … karma, the realm

of the unconscious forces and collective energy threads

that determine the course of our lives” Dechar, 2006, p.

275.

“Clarity of purpose, direction and a strong sense of

identity … are the things that are needed in order for

the zhi to unfold along it destined path” Dechar, 2006,

p. 285.


Wu Shen

Basic Zhi Treatment BL 23 – Shen Shu

BL 52 – Zhi Shi

BL 58 – Fei Yang

KI 1 – Yong Quan

KI 3 – Tai Xi

KI 6 – Zhao Hai

GB 25 – Jing Men

CV 4 – Guan Yuan

CV 6 – Qi Hai


Hartmann, 2009, p. 171.

http://www.brighteyecounselling.co.uk/alcohol-drugs/willpower-quit-drinking/


Wu Shen Balancing Treatment

If we take into consideration the following image of the

number eight:

Fire and Shen at the top.

Water and Zhi at the bottom.

Earth and Yi at the junction of the eight (in the

middle).

Wood and Hun along the left and right sides of the top

half of the eight.

Metal and Po along the left and right sides of the

bottom half of the eight.


Wu Shen Balancing Treatment

With that image in mind consider the following

treatment to balance all of the Wu Shen:

GV 20 – Bai Hui – for Fire and Shen.

KI 1 – Yong Quan – for Water and Zhi.

CV 12 – Zhong Wan – for Earth and Yi.

LR 3 – Tai Chong – for Wood and Hun.

GB 40 – Qiu Xu – for Wood and Hun.

LU 3 – Tian Fu – for Metal and Po.

LI 4 – He Gu – for Metal and Po.


References

Beinfield, H., & Korngold, E. (1991). Between Heaven

and Earth: A Guide to Chinese Medicine. New York:

Ballantine Books.

Collinson, D., Plant, K., & Wilkinson, R. (2000). Fifty

Eastern Thinkers. London: Routledge.

Cotterell, A. (1995). China: A History (rev. ed.).

London: Pimlico.

Deadman, P., Al-Khafaji, M., & Baker, K. (2007). A

Manual of Acupuncture. East Sussex: Journal of

Chinese Medicine Publications.

Dechar, L. E. (2006). Five Spirits: Alchemical

Acupuncture for Psychological and Spiritual Healing.

New York: Chiron Publications/Lantern Books.


References

Ellis, A., Wiseman, N., & Boss, K. (1989). Grasping

the Wind. Brookline: Paradigm Publications.

Hartmann, D. (2009). Acupoint Dictionary 2e. Sydney:

Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.

Hinrichs, T. J., & Barnes, L. L. (Ed.). (2013). Chinese

Medicine and Healing: An Illustrated History.

Cambridge: The Belknap Press of Harvard University

Press.

Kaatz, D. (2005). Characters of Wisdom: Taoist Tales

of the Acupuncture Points. Soudorgues: The Petite

Bergerie Press.

Maciocia, G. (2005). The Foundations of Chinese

Medicine (2nd ed.). Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.


References

Maciocia, G. (2009). The Psyche in Chinese

Medicine. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier.

McDonald, J. (1991). Australian Journal of TCM,

Volume 6, No.1, April, pp. 44-45.

Rossi, E. (2007). Shen: Psycho-Emotional Aspects of

Chinese Medicine. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone

Elsevier.

Unschuld, P. U. (1985). Medicine in China: A History

of Ideas. Berkeley: University of California Press.


wu xing & wu shen personality traits/archetypes: who do you think you are?

Self Improvement